Matt Moulson was the most successful minor-league call-up for the Kings this season, scoring three goals in 12 games.

But the performance wasn’t enough for him to stay with the club.

He’s back up for what is expected to be a short stay, again hoping to prove he belongs.

“He played well last time,” Kings coach Marc Crawford said of Moulson. “(Management) made the decision here to go with the people we’ve got. All anybody can do is go out there and not worry about things out of your control.

“He’s got very good hand-eye coordination. He’s very strong on the puck, doesn’t need much of an opportunity to get chances away and his strength will continue to get better as he keeps going.”

Moulson played on the second scoring line for the first time Thursday against the Ducks, playing alongside Alexander Frolov and Derek Armstrong. He assisted on Frolov’s goal midway through the second period in the Kings’ 3-1 victory over their rival at Staples Center.

Moulson was recalled Monday from American Hockey League affiliate Manchester (N.H) because of a rash of injuries at forward for the Kings. Michael Cammalleri is out with bruised ribs, Ladislav Nagy with a sore neck and Brian Willsie with a sore back. But each may be back after this weekend’s All-Star break, meaning Thursday’s game could be Moulson’s last with the Kings for now.

“I felt a lot more comfortable out there Tuesday (against Detroit) than my last time here,” Moulson said. “I probably should have had three goals (that game) alone. I just need to bury my chances and take advantage of this opportunity.”

Long trip: After the All-Star break, the Kings begin a season-long eight-game road trip. The trip, which begins Tuesday in Philadelphia, will keep the team on the East Coast for 15 days.

“It is going to be a long one,” Crawford said. “We’ve got our work cut out for us. Our start to the trip will be of ultimate importance. If we can get off to a great start in Philadelphia, then the rest of the trip just falls into place.”

Most of the team will get three days off over the weekend to prepare for the trip. Anze Kopitar and defenseman Jack Johnson will be heading to Atlanta for All-Star Weekend. Kopitar will play in the top game Sunday, and Johnson will be in the YoungStars game Saturday.

Kopitar copied: A fan sent an e-mail to the official Kings Web site saying that he named his daughter Anjae, after Anze Kopitar.

“That’s actually pretty funny,” Kopitar said. “If they want to do it, it’s fine with me. They must be really passionate Kings fans.”

Kopitar said his first name isn’t very common in his homeland of Slovenia, but that he knew of a couple other people with the name growing up.

“His hockey sense is terrific and I think the sky’s the limit,” Ducks general manager Brian Burke told the Vancouver Providence. “His skating has to improve a bit and he has to get bigger, but what great hockey sense and what a high battle level.”

Moller was drafted 52nd overall in the second round by the Kings last year. He plays for the Chilliwack Bruins junior team, of which Burke is a part-owner.